Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

"I did her sleeve."

She nods. "It's good."

"Thanks."

"Really. You're a talented guy."

"I know." I lean back. Press my palm

into my thighs. Truth be told, I don't know what to do with praise. I'm not used to it. Not from someone I trust.

She stares back into my eyes. "I'm working on that one."

"The guys at the shop, we do a lot of shit. You're welcome to join."

"Oh baby, you're seducing me with that invitation."

I laugh. Okay. That wasn't smooth. But I'm not sure how to handle this. Usually, I'm trying to draw a hard line between my life and a woman's. "It's fun. Leighton usually comes. And Emma and Kaylee tag along too."

"Who?"

"Brendon's little sister and his girlfriend."

"Doesn't help." Her lips curl into a smile. "But thanks. I'll consider that."

"What else is on the list?"

"Figuring out your goals and going after them. I'm good on that one. School." Her posture relaxes. Like she's sinking into the conversation.

"You have anything else?"

"Not right now." Her eyes meet mine. "What about you?"

Just keeping Sabrina out of my life. And making sure she doesn't OD in some shady motel.

Yeah, they're contradictory goals.

But that's life.

"It's something." She leans in. "Something you don't want to tell me."

"It's nothing."

She cocks her head to one side, deciding if she believes me. "I know you're easy, breezy surfer boy, but you must have something."

"No. My life is exactly how I want it." Except for shit with my sister, it's perfect.

"Exactly? You wouldn't change a single thing?"

"I'd take more money, yeah. But otherwise, no. I'm happy." In theory. In reality, everything feels stale. I need different. Fresh. Her.

"Wow."

"Wow?"

She leans back. Presses her lips together. "That's… impressive. Or bullshit. I'm not sure."

My shrug doesn't come as easily as it usually does.